How to Break a Bad Sleep Cycle

An adequate amount of sleep is vital for a healthy body and mind. Sleep patterns can be thrown off when there is stress, a new baby in the home or other obstacles. When your sleep cycle is sidetracked it can cause daytime drowsiness with a host of other problems. Sleep deprivation makes white blood cells suffer, exposing the body to infections and circulatory diseases. For example, not being able to get to work or school on time can be a major issue when sleep patterns are imbalanced. Getting your sleep cycle back on track takes a concentrated effort but can be accomplished.

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Get a Good Night's Rest

Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. This applies to weekends as well. When preferring to sleep-in on the weekends endeavor to make it a point to wake up at the same time anyway to keep sleep patterns on track.

Avoid drinking coffee, tea, soda, cocoa and chocolate drinks at night close to bedtime. These are all stimulants and aggravate the body instead of helping it to wind down.

Have a light snack before bed but not a heavy meal. Mango, rice, banana, sweet potatoes and nuts produce serotonin which induces sleep.

Read relaxing material, take a warm bath or listen to soothing music right before bedtime. This relaxes your body and prepares it for sleep mode.

Exercise early in the morning or midday. This will contribute to a healthy sleeping pattern. Exercising right before bed does not wind the body down and is likely to produce a burst of energy.

Avoid daytime naps to catch up on sleep. Daytime naps can make you less tired at bedtime, making it difficult to get to sleep.